Alex faced big changes, and had to learn more than resilience. She had to learn to adapt...
...and quickly.
Teaching tweens to be resilient is just as important as learning embracing adaptability.
Adaptability leads to:
- personal growth,
- development of life skills, and
- exciting opportunities.
~ John Wooden
The New School (Un)fortunate Adventure
Alex, a lively 14-year-old, entered her new school in the ‘unfamiliar part of town’.
As soon as she opened the front door, everything felt strange...new and unknown.
Her walks to school with childhood friends, now was two buses and a train.
The joyful lunchtime laughter vanished, leaving her feeling lonely and disconnected.
On top of that, the curriculum at this new school was completely different, making her academic struggles seem overwhelming and impossible to overcome.
More than Resilience: Navigating Change and Uncertainty
Over the weeks and months,
Alex slowly adapted to her new life.
It wasn't just resilience; it was adaptability that kept her going.
She started acting differently when she talked to other kids at lunch and joined clubs.
Embracing the challenge of learning new subjects from unfamiliar teachers,
she turned her fear into excitement.
The Surprising Discovery
During the pandemic, Alex had to adapt to new ways of learning.
As she tackled math lessons online, she faced challenges like unreliable internet, the boredom of being cooped up in her house and new challenging concepts.
But she didn't give up.
She had learned the skills of being able to adapt from earlier. She knew what resources were available to her and reached out to her parents and other support systems for help and kept pushing forward.
Her biggest realization was that adaptability was more than just adjusting;
it was a mindset.
It’s a mindset that keeps us resourceful.
Lessons for Parents of Tweens
We have a big role to play in helping our kids adapt.
Resilience isn't the only thing to focus on when challenges come.
Instead, let's help them see how adaptability is essential to navigating life's twists and turns. Just like Alex did in her online learning experience. She learned that because she was encouraged to adapt during her school change.
Encouraging them to look at uncertainty as an opportunity for growth can go a long way to help them later in life.
Planting the Seeds of Adaptability along with Resilience
As a young sapling grows into a mighty tree, our tweens need our guidance to embrace the challenges ahead.
Forming their character traits now is what will give them a more certain future.
While we teach them resilience, lets remember to develop the characteristics of adaptability.
Get them to try new things and step out of their comfort zones.
Don't be afraid to let them face difficulties and uncertainties because they're opportunities to learn and grow.
In Conclusion
Eventually Alex's journey of adaptability led to:
- success with a new peer group ,
- learning the new skill set in math,
- enjoying and flourishing at her new school.
Adaptability is more than just a character trait;
it's a virtue, and a superpower.
Let's help our preteens learn to embrace it on the path to their promising future.
